For many adults who grew up indulging in fruity, chewy candies from the ’90s, gummy vitamins bring a wave of nostalgia. While it’s widely acknowledged that adults need essential vitamins, the appeal of making the process enjoyable is undeniable. Companies like Flo, Hum, and Olly have tapped into this sense of nostalgia with their modern branding, and it seems almost every supplement brand now offers a gelatin version of their nutrient blends.
This year, a number of these companies are expanding their offerings into the realm of gummy vitamins by introducing “fitness gummies.” If you’ve spotted these cute little treats on your Instagram feed, you might be curious about their cost, safety, and effectiveness. This article serves as your primer on the subject.
What Are Fitness Gummies?
The term “fitness gummies” serves as an umbrella descriptor and lacks a singular, definitive meaning. Generally speaking, they can be viewed as gummy dietary supplements or multivitamins aimed at athletes and fitness aficionados.
What Types of Fitness Gummies Are Available?
The fitness gummy market is already quite varied, but these gummies primarily aim to fulfill one of three main objectives:
- Enhancing the healthy function—or “fitness”—of a specific organ
- Boosting the benefits of established fitness practices, like exercise
- Supporting weight loss
Let’s delve into each of these claims below.
Fitness Gummies for Organ Function
These gummies are gaining traction for their targeted approach to health and fitness. A notable brand in this space is Eye Fitness Gummies by FitEyez. These gummies claim to be “[p]acked with essential eye nutrients,” designed to give athletes and sports enthusiasts who rely on their vision a competitive edge.
Fitness Gummies for Workout Enhancements
Some companies, such as Olly and Focus, promote fitness gummies as an integral component of sports nutrition. Olly, for example, has introduced two products: the Pre-Game Energize Gummy Rings and Post-Game Recovery Gummy Rings. The former is designed to “boost energy production” and endurance through the inclusion of vitamins B12 and B6 alongside other plant-based nutrients that support nitric oxide production. Meanwhile, the Post-Game gummies contain vitamin D and turmeric, believed to “support muscle strength and recovery.”
Fitness Gummies for Weight Loss
Moreover, gummy supplements touted for weight loss continue to gain popularity under the “fitness gummies” label. Well-known media outlets like Men’s Journal have spotlighted gummies from major brands such as Goli Nutrition, Hydroxycut, Dietworks, and Orphic Nutrition. Each brand offers its own unique blend of ingredients claimed to aid in fat burning, ranging from vitamins B9 and B12 to prebiotics and apple cider vinegar.
Do Fitness Gummies Actually Work?
As with many nutritional supplements, skepticism prevails among experts, and conclusive studies remain limited. The classic guidance from the National Institute of Health (NIH) holds true here: most individuals maintaining a well-rounded, balanced diet will not benefit from fitness gummies. In short, money spent on nutritional supplements could be better allocated towards whole food sources of essential nutrients. This approach not only provides the benefits of the nutrients themselves but also includes dietary fiber. Additionally, whole foods typically contain lower sugar levels and offer more predictable nutrient profiles compared to supplements.
That said, certain individuals might be more inclined to benefit from these gummies. This includes strict vegans or vegetarians, people with known nutrient deficiencies, and older adults or pregnant individuals. For instance, vitamin B12 can be difficult to obtain on a vegan diet, so a fitness gummy containing B12 (such as Olly’s Pre-Game Energize Gummy Rings) could be valuable. Nonetheless, it’s wise to always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, including the addition of supplements.
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